Improvement in stair-pads, carpet-linings



J.-A. SPERRY.

Stair-Pad Carpet-Lining, 8L0.

No. 220,440. Patented Oct. 7, 1879.

ILPETERS, P'KITO-UTHOGHAPHER, WASHINGTON, D O.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES A. SPERRY, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ELIZABETH A. SPERRY, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN STAlR-PADS, CARPET-LININGS, &.c.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 220,440, dated October 7, 189; application filed November 22, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that-I, JAMES A. SPERRY, of the city of Brooklyn, county of'Kiugs, and State ofNew York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stair-Pads, Garpet-Linings, &c., of which the followingis my specification.

My improvements relate to that class of batted fabrics which are employed under carpets and serve to soften the tread of the feet and reduce the wear and tear, besides adding to the comfort of parties walking over them.

My improvements also apply to thicker batted substances, used to cushion the tread upon stairways, and in a greater or less degree are also adapted to cushions generally.

In the manufacture of carpet-linings and other similar goods it is usual to protect the fibrous surfaces against friction and wear by a coating of paper fastened by some interposing adhesive substance, which renders the finished goods necessarily rigid and stiff, and liable to be broken through by being trod upon, admitting dust to the bat and injuring it for use; also, in the manufacture of stair-pads and cushions from bats it is usual to cover those thicker fabrics Willi paper, and sometimes with woven cloth.

My improvements consist in coating the fibrous bats, of whatever thickness or for whatever purpose, with a peculiar compound, which itself alone forms a wearing-surface that is tenacious,elastic, and noiseless to the tread, dispensing entirely with the use of either paper or cloth in the manufacture or use. At the same time the coating I employ is impervious to moisture or water, and affords a. smooth surface that resists abrasion, and, causing the carpet to yield easily to the pressure of the foot Without friction from the lining, increases the durability of both carpet and lining.

The bats I form fromcotton or other vegetable fiber, and in one or more layers or slivers, by a carding or other proper machine for the purpose, and to such thickness as its designed use or application requires. After completing the bat Iapply the composition in afluid state by brushes or proper rollers, and by hand or machinery, as is found most economical, particularly according to the quantity turned off in a given time.

The composition which I use for this purpose is made by dissolving paraffine and guttapercha, preferring bisulphide of carbon as my solvent; or, as an alternative or equivalent for the gutta-percha, I can substitute gum-shellac, using high spirits or naphtha as a solvent therefor.

The solution I mix according to the article desired, to form a thick or thin and smooth cuticle, particularly for the thickness of the bat and strength required.

When the coating is complete, I in most cases (particularly with carpet lining and stair-pads) stitch or quilt the fabric through and through at proper intervals, to insure safety in handling, rolling, removing, relaying, &o., as against tearing the side surfaces apart.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A stair-pad and carpet-lining formed from vegetable fiber, and provided with a cuticle formed from paraffine and stantially as specified.

2. Astair-pad andcarpet-liniug formed from vegetable fiber, and coated with a mixture of paraffiue and gutta pcrcha, and stitched through and through, substantially as described.

JAMES A. SPERRY.

Witnesses:

J. B. HYDE, E. M. SPERRY.

gotta-pcrcha, sub- 

